Merchandise sales spike as Blades buzz continues through playoffs

It’s been a successful season on the ice so far for the Saskatoon Blades, which has led to success off the ice as well.

The team is reaping the benefits of its strong performance in the standings this year, and that’s translating more blue and gold worn by fans across the city.

Attendance for Blades games has gone up roughly 30 per cent since last year, which is almost back to the numbers the team was seeing a few years prior.

“We saw these kind of numbers pre-pandemic, so I think that those numbers are going to carry over, and people have been having fun this year. I can certainly speak for Saskatoon and people have been having fun and people want to come back,” said Tyler Wawryk, the team’s director of team business operations.

Wawryk said having more people in the building has led to more people buying team gear.

“We’ve certainly moved a lot more product this year in comparison to last season,” Wawryk said.

“As the attendance goes up, so do the sales, and dollars spent per person in the arena has been about the same. But we’re seeing that increase in attendance, so that’s translated to the increase in the merchandise we’re moving.”

The new Fan Experience Zone the team opened to allow fans to purchase gear outside of game days has also helped more team gear go out the door, Wawryk added. Along with apparel, fans are also able to buy ticket packages and game-used equipment.

“We’ve had trouble keeping some things on the shelves, especially as we got close to playoffs,” he added.

With a couple of sold-out crowds to finish the regular season, Wawryk said there has been a strong interest from fans looking to purchase tickets for next season.

Even with the increase in attendance over the entire season, it did help to have the Connor Bedard effect going strong during the last two home games and first-round playoff series. Bedard, who’s expected to be chosen first in this year’s NHL draft, has been a major draw for hockey fans hoping to get a glimpse of the top prospect in action while he’s playing for the Regina Pats.

“What Connor has done for the game and for the Western Hockey League has been tremendous. He’s been a fantastic ambassador for the sport and our league,” Wawryk said.

“Ultimately, he’s bringing people together, kind of rekindling that love for junior hockey.”

Wawryk said fans are coming into buildings across the country to watch Bedard, but are also able to see some of the other great players and teams from around the league.

Saskatoon fans will have another chance to see Bedard and the Pats play this season, as the Blades will host Regina at SaskTel Centre on Friday for Game 5.